Welcome to The New Leader, a space where leadership and marketing meet real talk. Here, I go beyond the buzzwords to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, foster connection, and create change.

From practical strategies to candid reflections on life, career, and fulfillment, this blog is for those who want to lead authentically and make a difference.

Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Take back control of your job search

Feeling stuck in your job search? Learn how to use the Job Seekers Bill of Rights and Employer Pledge of Honesty and Transparency to evaluate employers, identify red and green flags, and take back control of the hiring process.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Employer Pledge of Honesty

The hiring process is broken—fake jobs, ghosting, and endless hoops are eroding trust and dehumanizing candidates. The Employer Pledge of Honesty and Transparency offers a bold commitment to rebuild trust and restore fairness in hiring.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Job Seekers' Bill of Rights

The Job Seekers' Bill of Rights is a rallying cry for fairness, respect, and transparency in the hiring process. Built on shared experiences and frustrations, this manifesto outlines ten essential rights every job seeker deserves.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Ghost jobs: The final insult

Ghost jobs aren’t just frustrating—they’re unethical. These listings waste job seekers’ time, energy, and hope to serve corporate goals. It’s time to call out this broken system and demand change.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Why you’re not getting interviews

Job hunting today isn’t just about beating ATS—it’s about meeting impossible expectations. From ghost jobs to unicorn candidates, the system feels stacked against you. But you can still win. Here’s what’s really holding you back and how to break through.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

The experience paradox

At some point, many of us start questioning whether our experience is still an asset—or if it’s quietly seen as a liability. But here’s the truth: our experience isn’t a weakness; it’s a game-changing advantage.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

The race you never win

In a world filled with curated profiles and constant comparison, it’s easy to lose sight of our own path. This post explores how comparison traps can derail your personal and professional growth, and offers a powerful reminder that you’re the only one who defines your success.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Leadership Essentials: Belonging

Belonging isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for fulfillment and success at work. Here’s how leaders can create a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and seen for who they are.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Easing into 2025

Feeling disconnected after the holidays? Small acts of creativity and connection can reignite energy and momentum. Here’s how I’m easing into 2025, one step at a time.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Speaking up, standing out

After months of unemployment, I chose to speak up about the hiring process. My posts are not bitter, they are a deliberate showcase of my experience and leadership. Transparency is not a liability; it is a leadership strength.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Lessons from a layoff

Stepping into a new leadership role and finding open hostility instead of trust tested every skill I had. Over time, I rebuilt not just a marketing function, but also my own understanding of what genuine, human-centered leadership truly means.

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Carol A. Tiernan Carol A. Tiernan

Ghosted, misled, and overlooked

Months ago, I interviewed for a role that seemed tailor-made for my experience. What followed was a shocking lesson in the unprofessionalism that has become all too common in today’s hiring process.

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